US9642392B2 - Roasting and glazing apparatus - Google Patents
Roasting and glazing apparatus Download PDFInfo
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- US9642392B2 US9642392B2 US15/085,111 US201615085111A US9642392B2 US 9642392 B2 US9642392 B2 US 9642392B2 US 201615085111 A US201615085111 A US 201615085111A US 9642392 B2 US9642392 B2 US 9642392B2
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- roaster
- roaster bowl
- bowl
- blades
- agitator
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23N—MACHINES OR APPARATUS FOR TREATING HARVESTED FRUIT, VEGETABLES OR FLOWER BULBS IN BULK, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; PEELING VEGETABLES OR FRUIT IN BULK; APPARATUS FOR PREPARING ANIMAL FEEDING- STUFFS
- A23N12/00—Machines for cleaning, blanching, drying or roasting fruits or vegetables, e.g. coffee, cocoa, nuts
- A23N12/08—Machines for cleaning, blanching, drying or roasting fruits or vegetables, e.g. coffee, cocoa, nuts for drying or roasting
- A23N12/083—Machines for cleaning, blanching, drying or roasting fruits or vegetables, e.g. coffee, cocoa, nuts for drying or roasting with stirring, vibrating or grinding devices
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23G—COCOA; COCOA PRODUCTS, e.g. CHOCOLATE; SUBSTITUTES FOR COCOA OR COCOA PRODUCTS; CONFECTIONERY; CHEWING GUM; ICE-CREAM; PREPARATION THEREOF
- A23G3/00—Sweetmeats; Confectionery; Marzipan; Coated or filled products
- A23G3/02—Apparatus specially adapted for manufacture or treatment of sweetmeats or confectionery; Accessories therefor
- A23G3/20—Apparatus for coating or filling sweetmeats or confectionery
- A23G3/26—Apparatus for coating by tumbling with a liquid or powder, spraying device-associated, drum, rotating pan
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23N—MACHINES OR APPARATUS FOR TREATING HARVESTED FRUIT, VEGETABLES OR FLOWER BULBS IN BULK, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; PEELING VEGETABLES OR FRUIT IN BULK; APPARATUS FOR PREPARING ANIMAL FEEDING- STUFFS
- A23N12/00—Machines for cleaning, blanching, drying or roasting fruits or vegetables, e.g. coffee, cocoa, nuts
- A23N12/08—Machines for cleaning, blanching, drying or roasting fruits or vegetables, e.g. coffee, cocoa, nuts for drying or roasting
- A23N12/12—Auxiliary devices for roasting machines
- A23N12/125—Accessories or details
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- A23P1/082—
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23P—SHAPING OR WORKING OF FOODSTUFFS, NOT FULLY COVERED BY A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS
- A23P20/00—Coating of foodstuffs; Coatings therefor; Making laminated, multi-layered, stuffed or hollow foodstuffs
- A23P20/10—Coating with edible coatings, e.g. with oils or fats
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23P—SHAPING OR WORKING OF FOODSTUFFS, NOT FULLY COVERED BY A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS
- A23P20/00—Coating of foodstuffs; Coatings therefor; Making laminated, multi-layered, stuffed or hollow foodstuffs
- A23P20/10—Coating with edible coatings, e.g. with oils or fats
- A23P20/12—Apparatus or processes for applying powders or particles to foodstuffs, e.g. for breading; Such apparatus combined with means for pre-moistening or battering
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Food Science & Technology (AREA)
- Polymers & Plastics (AREA)
- Oil, Petroleum & Natural Gas (AREA)
- Food-Manufacturing Devices (AREA)
- Apparatuses For Bulk Treatment Of Fruits And Vegetables And Apparatuses For Preparing Feeds (AREA)
Abstract
A roasting and glazing apparatus comprising a roaster housing, a roaster bowl disposed within the roaster housing for receiving a mixture of nuts and sugar, an agitator rotatably mounted within the roaster bowl for mixing the mixture, and a heater controlled to selectively heat the roaster bowl. The agitator includes at least two blades for mixing the nut/sugar mixture during a roasting or glazing operation. The agitator also includes a central hub and each of the blades extends from the central hub and includes a respective substantially vertical component and a respective horizontal component. Each horizontal component has a bottom surface that is disposed adjacent to the floor of the roaster bowl, and the bottom surface extends upward from its front edge to its rear edge at a relief angle of at least 5° relative to the roaster bowl floor. The agitator with such structure is able to prevent/minimize build-up of sugar from the underside of its blades, which in turn prevents blade seizure during operation, among providing other benefits. Each blade may also beneficially have a top surface that extends from the front edge to the rear edge at substantially a 30° angle relative to the roaster bowl floor to provide enhanced mixing and other benefits.
Description
This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/950,663, filed Nov. 24, 2015, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/861,341, filed Sep. 22, 2015, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/729,747, filed Jun. 3, 2015, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a roasting and glazing apparatus and, more particularly, to a machine/device that roasts and/or glazes nuts and other food items that has various novel and advantageous features directed to both safety and performance.
2. Description of the Related Art
Roasted and/or glazed nuts can be made in a variety of manners and using a variety of types of equipment. Available equipment, however, is either cumbersome to use or unsafe in various respects, or both. For instance, it may be difficult and/or unsafe to empty the finished product from a very large, typically heavy cooking bowl into a tray or other bowl for subsequent handling. In particular, a heavy bowl may require two people to safely lift and then be turned to empty its contents. In some machines, the bowl can be lifted by raising a handle, but the bowl can quickly drop if the user accidentally lets go of the handle.
As another example, the addition of water during a nut glazing step often results in the creation of a large burst of steam that may burn the operator if appropriate precautions are not taken. In some instances, the operator must be reasonably skilled to avoid being burned.
In addition, it always is desirable to minimize waste or scrap. In nut roasting/glazing, scrap are pieces of sugar that have binded together to form a ball, sometimes called a sugar ball. Sugar balls are very hard and could break a tooth if bitten. As a result, sugar balls within a batch of roasted/glazed nuts should be discarded, which increases time and expense. Sugar balls vary in size, but generally have a size (width) of between 2.0 mm (about 0.079 inches) and 2.5 cm (about 0.98 inches), but sometimes are even bigger.
Still further, to clean the cooking bowl, water typically is added to the bowl and then heated to melt and dissolve all of the remaining sugar. Then, the now-heated water, along with the dissolved sugar, is poured out. While effective to clean the bowl, removing the water with the dissolved sugar (called herein, for convenience, “sugar water”) may be cumbersome.
Additionally, in the glazing and/or cleaning processes of certain machines, a relatively substantial amount of sugar water is converted into steam that escapes into the air, which disadvantageously causes surrounding surfaces to be coated with sugar.
In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide a roasting and glazing apparatus that produces high quality roasted/glazed nuts.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a roasting and glazing apparatus that is easy and safe to operate. In particular, it is an object to provide a machine that is simple enough to use to allow a non-highly skilled person to properly and safely operate it.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a roasting and glazing apparatus that enables the operator to easily and safely empty the unit's roaster bowl upon completing a batch of roasted/glazed nuts.
It is yet an additional object of the present invention to provide a roasting and glazing apparatus that is designed to minimize the accidental falling of a raised roaster bowl.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a roasting and glazing apparatus that is designed to prevent the operator or another individual from being scalded by any steam that is created during either the cooking or cleaning processes.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a roasting and glazing apparatus that produces roasted and glazed nuts with minimal waste or scrap.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a roasting and glazing apparatus that produces nuts that are well coated and glazed.
It is still yet a further object of the present invention to provide a roasting and glazing apparatus that is easy to clean.
It is still yet another object of the present invention to provide a roasting and glazing apparatus that minimizes or otherwise reduces the dispersion of sugar-laden steam during glazing and cleaning, thus preventing potential damage to machine components, shelves and items located in the vicinity of the machine, and significantly minimizing cleanup of surfaces and items in the surrounding area that otherwise would be laden with sugar.
To achieve one or more of the foregoing and other objects, the present invention, in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, is a roasting and glazing apparatus comprising a roaster housing and a roaster bowl disposed within the roaster housing in which the roaster bowl is able to receive a mixture of nuts and sugar. The apparatus further comprises an agitator rotatably mounted within the roaster bowl. The agitator includes at least two blades designed to mix the mixture of nuts and sugar during a roasting or glazing operation (see, e.g., FIGS. 4A and 4B , which show agitator 230 along with roaster bowl 200). The agitator also includes a central hub and each of the blades extends from the central hub and includes a respective substantially vertical component and a respective horizontal component (see, e.g., FIGS. 4A and 25C , which show central hub 232 with blades 240, 250, and each blade has a vertical component 242, 252 and a horizontal component 244, 254). The horizontal component of each blade has front and rear edges (see, e.g., FIG. 25A , which shows front edge 244 a and rear edge 244 b of one blade, and front edge 254 a and rear edge 254 b of the other blade). Each horizontal component also has a bottom surface that is disposed adjacent to the floor of the roaster bowl, and the bottom surface extends upward from the front edge to the rear edge at a relief angle of at least 5° relative to the roaster bowl floor (see, e.g., FIG. 26 , which shows the 5° relief angle). The apparatus also includes a heater that is controlled to selectively heat the roaster bowl during the roasting or glazing operation.
As an aspect of the present invention, the two blades extend from opposite sides of the central hub, and the two blades are identical.
As another aspect of the present invention, the vertical component of each of the blades extends downward from the central hub and the horizontal component extends outward from the vertical component to provide blades that are substantially L-shaped (see, e.g., FIG. 25C , which shows the blades having an L-shaped structure).
As a feature of this aspect, the horizontal component of each blade extends outwardly from the vertical component at roughly a 90° angle (see, e.g., FIG. 25C ).
As a further aspect of the present invention, the central hub of the agitator (element 232 shown in FIGS. 25A, 25B and 25C ) has a diameter that is roughly four times as large as the width of each of the blades (see FIG. 25B ). The width of each blade is the distance from the blade's front edge (244 a and 254 a in FIG. 25A ) to the blade's rear edge (244 b and 254 b in FIG. 25A ).
As yet another aspect, the horizontal component of each blade includes a top surface that extends from its front edge to its rear edge at an angle, relative to the floor of the roaster bowl, that is substantially different from the relief angle of the bottom surface relative to the floor of the roaster bowl (see, e.g., the two angles shown in FIGS. 25E and 26 ).
As a feature of this aspect, for each blade, the top surface extends from its front edge to its rear edge at roughly a 30° angle relative to the floor of the roaster bowl, and the relief angle of the bottom surface is roughly 5° (see FIGS. 25E and 26 ).
As a further feature, the front edge of each blade is substantially thinner than its rear edge (see, e.g., FIG. 26 , which shows front edge 244 a substantially thinner than rear edge 244 b).
As yet a further aspect of the present invention, the roaster bowl includes an upwardly extending center column (see, e.g., center column 202 shown in FIG. 4A ). The apparatus further comprises a motor assembly disposed beneath the roaster bowl and a drive shaft (driven by the motor assembly) that extends upward through the roaster bowl's center column. The central hub of the agitator is coupled to the uppermost end of the drive shaft at a position that is above the center column (see, e.g., FIG. 4B , which shows the top of the drive shaft 116, which is above center column 202).
As a feature of this aspect, the vertical component of each blade extends parallel to the roaster bowl's center column (see, e.g., FIG. 4A , which shows each blade's vertical component 242 and 252 parallel to center column 202).
As an additional aspect of the present invention, the apparatus further comprises a mixture of nuts and sugar disposed in the roaster bowl, in which the distance between the bottom of the front edge of the horizontal component of each blade and the roaster bowl floor is substantially smaller than the size of a substantial amount of the nuts in the roaster bowl so that most of the nuts pass over the blades during mixing by the blades during the roasting or glazing operation (see, e.g., FIGS. 27A-27C ).
As a feature of this aspect, the relief angle of the bottom surface of the horizontal component of each of the blades, relative to the floor of the roaster bowl, is sufficiently large to prevent seizing of the rotating blades when items within the mixture pass under the blades during the roasting or glazing operation.
As yet a further aspect of the present invention, the apparatus further comprises dried sugar mixture disposed in the roaster bowl and in which a portion of the dried sugar mixture is disposed between the bottom surface of the horizontal component of each of the blades and the floor of the roaster bowl. That portion of the dried sugar mixture has a tensile strength that is sufficiently low, due to the relief angle of the bottom surface of each horizontal component, to enable the agitator to be removed from the roaster bowl without the need to heat the dried sugar mixture within the roaster bowl.
These and other embodiments, aspects and features of the present invention are described in the following detailed description.
In addition, various other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description of the invention.
The following detailed description, given by way of example and not intended to limit the present invention solely thereto, will best be appreciated in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and parts, in which:
The roasting and glazing apparatus/assembly of the present invention is able to roast and/or glaze nuts to produce roasted and sugar glazed nuts, and the description herein is provided for illustrative purposes in connection with the cooking (i.e., roasting and/or glazing) of nuts. However, the roasting and glazing apparatus/assembly of the present invention may be utilized to roast and/or glaze other food items, and it is to be understood that the invention is not limited for use with nuts. For instance, the invention may be utilized to process a variety of other types of edible items including oats, beans (e.g., coffee beans), seeds (e.g., squash, pumpkin, etc.), dried fruit (e.g., dried apricots, raisins, etc.), granola, a mixture of granola and fruit, vegetables (e.g., peas, etc.), and the like. The invention may further be employed to roast coffee beans and the like to produce products that may be used to produce liquid beverages, such as coffee, including flavored-coffee, and the like.
Moreover, as described below, the invention is discussed in the context of roasting nuts (called, for convenience, the roasting process or step), followed by the glazing of the roasted nuts (called, for convenience, the glazing process or step) to produce roasted/glazed nuts. However, the invention further entails roasting alone or glazing alone, which may be appropriate for the processing of other food items, such as one or more of those food items identified above. Accordingly, the invention is not limited to cooking that must include both roasting and glazing.
Therefore, and in view of the foregoing, use of various generic terms/phrases herein, including “roaster,” “nut roaster,” “nut roaster assembly,” “roasting and glazing apparatus,” “roasting and glazing assembly,” “machine” and the like, are interchangeably used herein for convenience, and shall be understood to include devices that roast, that glaze, and that both roast and glaze nuts and other edible items, unless clearly stated otherwise. Similarly, use of the term “roaster bowl” (and other like terms) shall not provide limiting effect of such component. Names of components are provided to aid the reader in understanding what is being referenced. In addition, the term “glazed nuts” as used herein refers to sugar glazed nuts. Sugar may include other suitable coatings with which the apparatus of the present invention may be used. Moreover, the term “roasting” as used herein shall include heating, including dry heating or wet heating. The term “roasted nuts” as used herein includes nuts that are heated in the manner disclosed herein.
Still further, the figures are presented to aid in the understanding of the invention, but are not intended to limit the invention solely to precisely what is shown. For example, the illustrations show a particular appearance of the illustrative roasting and glazing apparatus/assembly (e.g., such as the rectangular shape and relative size of the roaster's housing), but it is not intended for the invention to solely have such appearance. Moreover, explanations about related functions or constructions known in the art are omitted for the sake of clarity in understanding the concept of the invention, and to avoid obscuring the invention with unnecessary detail.
As will be appreciated from the description herein, the inventive roasting and glazing apparatus/assembly includes or otherwise embodies multiple features, aspects and benefits. For convenience, these features, aspects and benefits are divided into the following groups of discussion: (A) Cover with Liquid Dispersing Design; (B) Bowl Movement: Cantilever with Pistons; (C) Steam Cleaning and Detachable Pour Tray; (D) Agitator and Bowl; (E) Smart Cleaning Cycle; (F) Front Panel Display; and (G) Additional Features. These section headings and all other headings used herein are provided for convenience and are not intended to limit the invention in any manner.
Referring now to the accompanying drawings, FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 thereof are schematic illustrations that show perspective, front and top views, respectively, of roasting and glazing apparatus/assembly 100 (for convenience, “roaster assembly 100” or “nut roaster assembly 100”) in accordance with the present invention. As illustrated, nut roaster assembly 100 includes various primary components, including a housing 110, a roaster bowl 200 (only partially shown in FIGS. 1-3 ), a cover 300, a pour tray 400, a front panel display 500, and a cantilever arm 120. These components, associated components, and other components of nut roaster assembly 100 are described in detail below.
In providing a detailed description of the nut roaster assembly of the present invention, a basic discussion of the nut roaster's operation is set forth first, followed by a detailed discussion of the structures and functions of the above-mentioned groups.
Operation of Inventive Nut Roaster
During normal operation of the inventive nut roaster, an operator carries out various steps as described below. As would be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, some of the steps may be modified, or removed altogether, as deemed appropriate by the operator.
(1) First, the operator turns a Main Power On/Off switch 510 on. Switch 510 is disposed on the inventive nut roaster's front panel 500 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , and best represented in FIG. 5 .
(2) The operator adds 8 oz. of water, or any suitable amount of water as discussed below, and a certain amount of a nut mix to the roaster bowl 200. For example, the nut mix is 2 to 2¼ lbs. of nuts, sugar and flavoring. Roaster bowl 200 with an installed agitator 230 is shown with cover 300 removed in FIG. 4A . FIG. 4B shows an exploded view of roaster bowl 200 and agitator 230. The particular structures of roaster bowl 200 and agitator 230 are discussed further below. The nut mix may be a pre-packaged commercial nut mix, or any other suitable mixture of nuts and other ingredients prepared for the purpose of roasting and glazing nuts.
If increased cooking time is desired, additional water may be added. The quantity of water may be up to 20 oz., or any suitable variation thereof. If decreased cooking time is desired, less water is added, usually with a minimum of 4 oz. of water.
(3) The operator then depresses the Start button 560 disposed on front panel 500 shown in FIG. 5 to turn on the nut roaster's motor and heater. FIGS. 6A and 6B are front and side cross-sectional views, respectively, of nut roaster assembly 100. As shown in these figures, a motor assembly 112, including a motor therein, and heater 186 are located below roaster bowl 200.
(4) Activation of the motor causes the agitator disposed within the roaster bowl to rotate.
(5) While the agitator rotates and the roaster bowl is heated, nut roaster assembly 100 cooks the mix and roasts the nuts over a period of time. During this time, the following events occur. The water within the roaster bowl increases in temperature, which causes the sugar to turn into a brown syrup, becoming thicker and gradually adhering to the nuts. As the heater continues to heat the mixture and the agitator continues to mix the roaster bowl's contents, the water eventually boils off, which results in the sugar syrup eventually drying and turning into a white powder that adheres to the nuts. As the roaster bowl temperature continues to increase, the white powder sugar coating on the nuts turns into a dark brown liquid coating. The temperature at this point is in the vicinity of 345° F. When the roaster bowl reaches a temperature of approximately 355° F., the dark brown liquid coating on the nuts starts to turn into a whitish/brown powdery shell. The roaster bowl is further heated until it reaches a temperature of approximately 360° F. (or in the vicinity of this temperature), at which time the heater turns off and a “Time Remaining” display begins a count down to zero from 120 seconds. During this 120 second countdown, residual heat within the roaster bowl continues to dry the whitish/brown powdery shell on the nuts.
During the entire process, the temperature of the roaster bowl is shown on the “Actual Temperature” display 530 on front panel 500 shown in FIG. 5 . Front panel 500 also includes the “Time Remaining” display 540, which shows the above-mentioned countdown.
(6) After the 120 second countdown, a buzzer within the nut roaster sounds, which prompts the operator to press the “Mute Buzzer” button (FIG. 5 : button 550). The operator then places cover 300 over roaster bowl 200, and adds 3 oz. of water into a water reservoir 310 within cover 300 to create the glaze (i.e., to produce a shiny coat on the nuts). FIG. 7 schematically illustrates the operator adding water into water reservoir 310. The structure of cover 300 including water reservoir 310 are discussed in the sections that follow with reference to FIGS. 10-14 .
The water added to the water reservoir slowly enters the roaster bowl through small openings (called “metering holes” herein) at the bottom of the reservoir. The water that enters the roaster bowl is turned into steam, which escapes through the cover's steam vent 330. The escaping steam is schematically shown as arrows 360 in FIG. 7 (also see FIG. 11 , which better shows steam vent 330). This process/step of adding water into water reservoir 310 (which ultimately causes steam to escape through steam vent 330) is referred to herein, for convenience, as the glazing step.
(7) After the steam clears, which takes about 50 to 60 seconds after the water is fully dispensed within the roaster bowl, the operator presses the “Stop” button 570 on the front panel 500 (FIG. 5 ), which causes the agitator within the roaster bowl to stop turning and the heater to turn off. The operator then removes cover 300.
(8) The operator lifts cantilever arm 120 to tilt roaster bowl 200 to its highest position, which is schematically illustrated in FIG. 8 . In this position, most if not all of the roasted/glazed nuts 700 are emptied into a cooling pan 600.
(9) The operator may use tongs or other appropriate tool to assist in removing all of the roasted/glazed nuts from roaster bowl 200. Preferably, the operator separates and spreads the nuts evenly in cooling pan 600. The nuts should be allowed to cool (e.g., for at least 20 minutes) to allow the nuts' sugar coating to fully harden/dry before the roasted/glazed nuts are packaged within individual-sized paper cones, cups or other containers, or packaged within a larger container or bag.
The present invention also entails a novel cleaning process, which is described below. During production of the roasted/glazed nuts, sugar from the mix may coat the inside of roaster bowl 200 and/or the agitator within the roaster bowl. If too much sugar builds up, the nut roaster assembly should be cleaned. Generally, the nut roaster assembly should be cleaned after a certain number of batches of roasted/glazed nuts are made (e.g., 10 batches) in order to minimize the amount of sugar build-up within the roaster bowl. If too much sugar remains within the roaster bowl during the herein-described cooking process, a burnt aroma or taste to the roasted/glazed nuts may result.
Finally, upon completion of all production, such as at the end of a day and/or after cleaning the nut roaster assembly, the operator turns Main Power On/Off switch 510 off to turn off the nut roaster.
As mentioned above, front panel 500 includes Main Power On/Off switch 510. Front panel 500 also includes other components, including a System Status display 520 and service technician control buttons. Front panel 500 also includes a “Clean” button 580 (FIG. 5 ) that initiates a cleaning cycle/process in accordance with the present invention.
Nut Roaster Cleaning Process
There are three versions of the cleaning cycle/process of the present invention. In accordance with a first version, the clean cycle is programmed to extend for a predetermined amount of time. In a second version, the length of the clean cycle is manually selected by the operator. In a third version, a so-called Smart Cleaning cycle is performed. The first and second versions of the cleaning cycle are described as follows. The third version, that is, the Smart Cleaning cycle, is discussed in section (E) below.
To clean the nut roaster assembly, in accordance with the first version of cleaning cycle, the following steps are performed.
(1) The operator pours 48 oz. of water into roaster bowl 200, places cover 300 over the roaster bowl, and presses Clean button 580 on the front panel 500 to initiate the clean cycle. The clean cycle is pre-programmed to last for 5 minutes, during which nut roaster assembly 100 heats roaster bowl 200 until the water begins to boil.
(2) The water continues to boil for the remainder of the clean cycle. As the water is boiling, steam is created that dissolves sugar that is stuck-on (i.e., adhered to) roaster bowl 200, agitator 230, and the underside of cover 300. This step, called herein for convenience the steam-cleaning step/phase, is discussed in greater detail within the sections that follow.
Optionally, the clean cycle can be pre-programmed to last longer or shorter than 5 minutes (e.g., 3 minutes, 4 minutes, 6 minutes, 7 minutes), if desired. Operator monitoring is not required during the 5-minute clean cycle (or other amount of time, if programmed) since the nut roaster's heater automatically turns off when the clean cycle is complete.
Rather than being pre-programmed, the amount of time of the clean cycle can be manually selected by the operator (i.e., the second version). In such version, the operator designates the number of minutes of the clean cycle. In the third version, the Smart Cleaning cycle is employed, which is discussed in section (E) below.
(3) Upon completion of the clean cycle (of any of the clean cycle versions), the operator removes cover 300, installs pour tray 400 onto the roaster housing 110 (details of the pour tray further discussed below), provides a suitable pan, tray, bucket or other suitable device (e.g., pan 600) under the edge of pour tray 400, and slowly lifts cantilever arm 120 to raise roaster bowl 200, such as shown in FIG. 9 . As roaster bowl 200 is raised, the water within the roaster bowl pours onto pour tray 400 that directs the water into pan 600. The operator lifts cantilever arm 120 gradually to its highest position to cause all of the water to vacate from roaster bowl 200.
(4) The operator then, preferably using a heat safe glove, removes the very hot agitator from within roaster bowl 200, and proceeds to clean any remaining residue from the agitator, cover 300, and pour tray 400 in a sink.
(5) The operator cleans off any remaining residue in roaster bowl 200 using damp paper towels or a clean sponge, or any other suitable cleaning tools.
(6) The operator may further clean the outside of the nut roaster assembly 100 using a wet rag or small utility brush, or any other suitable cleaning tools.
After nut roaster assembly 100 is run through a cleaning cycle, further batches of roasted nuts may be made. If no further batches are needed, the operator turns off nut roaster assembly 100 by switching Main Power On/Off switch 510 to the Off position.
Structures/Functions of Inventive Roasting and Glazing Apparatus
Having described the basic operation of the nut roaster assembly 100 of the present invention, including a discussion of the cleaning process, a detailed discussion of each of the above-identified groups of features, aspects and benefits are set out as follows.
(A) Cover with Liquid Dispersing Design
Cover 300 of nut roaster assembly 100 is structured to be placed over roaster bowl 200, such as shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 7 .
The Cover's Water Reservoir
The cover's water reservoir 310, shown best in the top view of FIG. 3 and the enlarged view of FIG. 12 , includes metering holes 312 within the reservoir's bottom surface. As discussed above, water is added to the reservoir during the glazing step of the cooking process. Metering holes 312 allow the water to flow into roaster bowl 200 during this step.
Metering holes 312 disperse the water within the roaster bowl at a set interval of time. That is, metering holes 312 are precisely sized to disperse the water into the roaster bowl in a gradual and controlled manner. For example, metering holes 312 may disperse the water over a period of 10 to 15 seconds (i.e., a flow rate of 3 ounces over 10 to 15 seconds, or the proportional equivalent flow rate for a different amount of water). The flow rate may be greater or slower (e.g., a flow rate of 3 ounces over more than 15 seconds, a flow rate of 3 ounces over at least 30 seconds, etc.). In a preferred version, the flow rate disperses 3 ounces of water over a period of between 30 and 35 seconds. Water is dispersed within the nut roaster over multiple revolutions of the agitator while it is turning, thus allowing the water to be dispersed over the nuts more evenly which, in turn, results in better coated glazed nuts.
Moreover, by producing steam over such relatively long period of time, less steam is instantaneously produced at any given instant of time as compared to the amount of steam instantly produced by the addition of 3 oz. of water from a measuring cup directly into the roaster bowl (i.e., without the use of the herein-described inventive cover). Cover 300, with water reservoir 310, therefore prevents or otherwise minimizes the risk of scalding the operator by any steam that is produced after water is added to the water reservoir. That is, after the cooking cycle, the roaster bowl is typically at a temperature of over 360° F. When water, which may be cold water, is added to the roaster bowl at this temperature, a burst of steam is produced. However, due to the structure/components of cover 300, the size of each burst of steam that is produced at any given instant is minimized.
In addition, as further discussed below, steam that is produced is directed away from the operator so that scalding of an operator's hand or arm is avoided.
The metering holes 312 within water reservoir 310 may have the same shape and size, or have different shapes and sizes. Moreover, the location of each metering hole 312 within the reservoir may be different than that shown in the figures. For instance, in FIG. 12 , three metering holes are provided: two of the holes disposed on opposite ends of the reservoir, with the third in the center (near a side edge). The metering holes 312 are also shown in the enlarged, bottom view of FIG. 13 , which illustrates a portion of the underside of cover 300. However, the metering holes may be located elsewhere within the water reservoir. Moreover, while three metering holes are shown in the various figures, the water reservoir may have a different number of metering holes, such as one, two, four or more.
The Cover's Rolled Edge and the Steam Vent
As illustrated in FIGS. 10, 11 and 14 , the cover's side surface 304 includes a rolled edge 320 that extends partially, but not fully, around the cover's bottom perimeter. As shown, a non-rolled edge 322 of the bottom of side surface 304 represents that portion of the cover that does not include rolled edge 320. That is, rolled edge 320 extends roughly 80% around the cover's perimeter, with non-rolled edge 322 representing the remaining 20%. It is noted that the rolled edge may have a different length, such as extending 70%, 75%, or 85% around the cover's perimeter, or another appropriate length.
Rolled edge 320 is shown thicker than the cover's side surface 304, and generally is rounded, but the rolled edge may have a different shape, thickness and size than that shown in the figures. The term “rolled edge” is used herein for convenience to represent an edge shape that is different from the shape of the non-rolled edge. Hence, rolled edge 320 may have a shape that does not appear to be “rolled.”
Rolled edge 320 serves to form a seal between cover 300 and roaster bowl 200 when the cover is placed on top of the roaster bowl. As perhaps best shown in FIG. 4A , roaster bowl 200 includes a groove or channel 210 (also called herein “bowl channel”) that extends partially around the perimeter of the top of the roaster bowl and is shaped to receive the cover's rolled edge 320 when the cover is placed on top of the roaster bowl. Bowl channel 210 does not extend fully around the roaster bowl and thus is “keyed” so that cover 300 is correctly positioned (i.e., correctly placed and angularly aligned) when the entire rolled edge 320 of the cover is within the bowl channel.
To further facilitate proper alignment of cover 300 on roaster bowl 200 by the operator, the cover and roaster bowl include alignment markings 224, 324, as shown in FIG. 3 . Roaster bowl 200 includes alignment mark 224, which is in the shaped of a diamond. Cover 300 includes, on its rolled edge 320, alignment mark 324, which is in the shaped of an arrow (or triangle). Accordingly, the operator places cover 300 on bowl 200 at the orientation at which the two alignments marks are adjacent to one another.
The rolled edge may be a component separate from cover 300, that is, not be an integral part of cover 300. For instance, the rolled edge may be a gasket or other suitable sealing device. Such component may be glued or otherwise permanently fixed to the bottom of cover 300, or may be separable from cover 300. In yet another variation, a sealing component, such as a gasket, may be fixed to the top of roaster bowl 200, thereby providing a seal between roaster bowl 200 and cover 300 when mounted thereon.
As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 11 , when cover 300 is placed on roaster bowl 200, with the cover's rolled edge 320 properly disposed within the bowl channel, non-rolled edge 322 of the cover is positioned immediately above the bowl's pouring lip 220. Then, without a rolled edge 320 extending from the cover's side surface 304 in the vicinity immediately above the bowl's pouring lip 220, an opening 330 is formed at such location. Opening 330 is referred to herein as steam vent 330 since it serves as a vent for steam created during the herein-described glazing step. As illustrated in FIG. 7 , steam (represented by arrows 360) escapes from within the roaster bowl 200 through steam vent 330.
Still referring to FIG. 7 , when cover 300 is placed on roaster bowl 200 as shown in the figure, water reservoir 310 and steam vent 330 are disposed on diametrically opposite sides of the cover. Accordingly, when steam is produced during the herein-described glazing step (i.e., when water is added to water reservoir 310), the steam is gradually produced as a result of the measured dispensing of water via water reservoir 310 and such gradually produced steam escapes from within the roaster bowl only through (or at least mostly only through) steam vent 330. Hence, steam escapes at a position of the cover that is disposed on the opposite side of the water reservoir, thus preventing scalding of the operator's hand and arm while filling the water reservoir.
As mentioned above and shown in the various figures, cover 300 includes a top handle 340. Top handle 340 is made of heat-resistant plastic (or other suitable heat-resistant material) and is used to lift cover 300 from roaster bowl 200. Top handle 340 may be held by the operator during the glazing process, if desired. For instance, the operator, while holding a measuring cup filled with water in one hand, pours water into water reservoir 310 while holding the cover's top handle with the other hand (e.g., for balance or other reason). Since the cover's top handle 340 is disposed in the center of the cover, there is sufficient distance between both the top handle and the water reservoir, and the top handle and the steam vent, to allow the operator to safely hold the top handle during the glazing step.
Moreover, the relatively narrow, curved shape of water reservoir 310, which is disposed near the outer periphery of cover 300, prevents a hand holding the top handle 340 from getting burned by any steam that may come up through the metering holes 312 within water reservoir 310. Water reservoir 310, however, is sufficiently wide to allow an operator to easily pour water into the water reservoir using a standard measuring cup.
As discussed herein, and schematically shown in FIG. 7 , steam vent 330, which is relatively long, is in the vicinity of the bowl's pouring lip 220, which advantageously causes all or nearly all of the steam that is produced during the nut glazing and cleaning processes to escape roaster bowl 200 at a location that is on a single side of the nut roaster. Thus, the steam is not directed out from the front or the immediate back of the nut roaster assembly, thereby minimizing the impact of the steam on the operator standing in front, and a wall, cabinet or other object that may be disposed behind the nut roaster assembly. As for impacting objects on the side of the nut roaster assembly where steam escapes during use (called herein, for convenience, the “evacuation side”) (e.g., the right side shown in FIG. 7 ), that side is utilized to dispense the nuts from the bowl after being roasted/glazed, and also is the side from which the cleaning water is dispensed after the cleaning process, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 . Therefore, a company or other user of the inventive nut roaster assembly generally would not place equipment, food, or other items near the evacuation side of the nut roaster assembly.
Moreover, by restricting the location of escaping steam (that very likely includes dissolved sugar), objects, shelves, and other items located behind, in front of, or at the non-evacuation side of the nut roaster assembly are not coated over time by a layer of sugar and thus minimizes the cleanup of these areas. The above-described metering of water into the roaster bowl via the water reservoir minimizes the size of the bursts of steam that are created, further reducing the amount of sugar that escapes and therefore minimizes the cleanup of surrounding areas.
(B) Bowl Movement: Cantilever with Pistons System
As discussed herein, roaster bowl 200 is raised and lowered after both the cooking and cleaning processes. The cross-sectional views of FIGS. 6A and 6B show roaster bowl 200 in the fully lowered position where it is disposed mostly within the nut roaster housing 110. FIG. 15 shows roaster bowl 200 disposed at roughly a 30° position, and FIG. 16 shows roaster bowl 200 disposed at a roughly 105° position (i.e., the fully raised position). FIG. 8 also shows roaster bowl 200 at the fully raised position at the completion of the glazing process. The roaster bowl's fully raised position may be any position at which the contents of roaster bowl 200 may easily be distributed onto a pan or tray, and includes angles between the range of 70° and 120° (or even higher if desired) relative to the top surface of housing 110, although a range of 95° to 110° is preferred.
The inventive non-linear dampening system provides additional protection to prevent injury within a “falling zone.” The falling zone is the region that includes housing opening 130 as well as the area immediately above opening 130 shown in FIG. 15 . In particular, the falling zone includes any area that can be hit by roaster bowl 200 as it is lowered from the 30° position to the fully lowered position.
Each of the above-mentioned connections of large piston 140, small piston 150, and rotating lever 160 are pivot-type connections, and any appropriate technique or device to facilitate the pivot connection may be employed.
In the illustrative assembly, large piston 140 is a gas spring with a 140 mm stroke, 70 pounds nominal. Small piston 150 is a gas spring with a 90 mm stroke, 15 pounds nominal. Thus, the large piston provides a substantially greater counter force than the small piston. Such pistons/gas springs are well known in the art and thus further technical description herein is omitted. It should be noted that the pistons provided are merely exemplary, and other pistons with other strokes and characteristics may be employed. Moreover, pistons 140 and 150 may be of types different than gas springs.
As explained herein, roaster bowl 200 is lifted after the cooking process to its fully raised position in order to allow the roasted/glazed nuts to be easily removed, as illustrated in FIG. 8 . Similarly, after the cleaning process, roaster bowl 200 is gradually lifted to cause the hot sugar water within the roaster bowl to be poured onto pouring tray 400 and then into a pan 600, as illustrated in FIG. 9 . As the sugar water leaves the bowl, the operator continues to raise cantilever arm 120 until roaster bowl 200 is at the fully raised position. During this lifting operation, large piston 140 aids the operator in the lifting of roaster bowl 200.
When roaster bowl 200 is at the fully raised position (or at any lower position, if desired), the operator lowers the roaster bowl by lowering cantilever arm 120. While lowering, large piston 140 is engaged and serves to counteract the downward force of the roaster bowl being lowered (including the gravitational force). By counteracting the downward force, roaster bowl 200 is gradually lowered.
As indicated above, FIG. 23A shows roaster bowl 200 at the fully raised position. As roaster bowl 200 is lowered from this position, rotating lever 160 freely rotates upwards (counter-clockwise) thus preventing small piston 150 from being engaged (i.e., from being compressed). This is shown in FIG. 23B . Roaster bowl 200 is further lowered until it reaches the 30° position shown in FIG. 23C . As illustrated in FIG. 23C , small piston 150 is uncompressed. Accordingly, during the roaster bowl's entire movement between the fully raised position (FIG. 23A ) and the 30° position (FIG. 23C ), small piston 150 is not engaged.
However, at the 30° position shown in FIG. 23C , rotating lever 160 has rotated upwards to the point where the rotating lever's hooked end is in contact with pin 184 that extends from bowl support 182. Rotating lever 160 therefore is prevented from further upward rotation.
Accordingly, continued lowering of roaster bowl 200 beyond the 30° position causes small piston 150 to be engaged. The operator therefore must exert sufficient downward force on cantilever arm 120 to overcome the counteracting force of small piston 150.
As the operator exerts the required downward force, the counteracting force of small piston 150 causes roaster bowl 200 to be lowered at a very gradual rate. Such gradual rate is sufficiently slow to allow the operator and other individuals plenty of time to move body parts and other items that may be located within the above-mentioned falling zone.
Accordingly, by employing the herein-described Cantilever with Pistons System, roaster bowl 200 cannot accidentally (or even intentionally) move between the various positions too quickly so as to pose a threat of physical injury.
In addition, the use of small piston 150 with rotating lever 160 as herein described provides enhanced safety when the roaster bowl is relatively close to the top surface of the nut roaster assembly's housing (i.e., between the 30° and fully lowered positions). Accordingly, an object, a person's finger or anything else located within the falling zone may easily be removed to prevent injury or damage during the final lowering of the roaster bowl into its fully lowered position.
The particular height of roaster bowl 200 at which the small piston is engaged may be different than that explained above. For example, the structure of the components may be modified to cause the small piston to be engaged after the roaster bowl is lowered to a 35° position, or a 25° position, or other desired position.
(C) Steam Cleaning and Detachable Pour Tray
As discussed above, to clean the various components including roaster bowl 200, agitator 230, and cover 300, the operator adds water to roaster bowl 200, places cover 300 over the roaster bowl, and depresses Clean button 580 on the front panel 500 to initiate the clean cycle. During the clean cycle, roaster bowl 200 is heated until the water begins to boil. As the water is boiling, steam is created that dissolves the stuck-on sugar. As mentioned above, this process is called, for convenience, the steam-cleaning phase.
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 11 , pouring lip 220 of roaster bowl 200 extends partially outward and upward from the bowl's perimeter 222. As steam is created, the steam fills the space between roaster bowl 200 and cover 300, and ultimately is forced to exit through steam vent 330. During this steam cleaning phase, that is, as steam is continuously being created from the boiling water, the entire underside of cover 300 and most of the internal surface of roaster bowl 200 are cleaned such that all (or at least most) of the sugar that is adhered to any of these surfaces is dissolved within the steam, hot water vapor and boiling water. Some of the steam and hot water vapor exit the chamber via steam vent 330. For convenience, the term steam herein refers to both steam and hot water vapor.
In accordance with the present invention, the steam exiting the chamber via steam vent 330 cleans the bowl's pouring lip 220. In particular, as the steam exits, some of the exiting steam contacts the top surface of pouring lip 220, which condenses on the pouring lip, dissolves sugar that is adhered to the pouring lip, and drips back (along with the dissolved sugar) into roaster bowl 200.
Pouring lip 220 has a particular shape and length. This entails a pouring lip that does not extend too far from the perimeter of roaster bowl 200, otherwise the steam exiting via steam vent 330 during steam-cleaning does not sufficiently remove sugar that may be adhered to the outer edge of pouring lip 220 (i.e., that portion of pouring lip 220 furthest from the roaster bowl). That is, steam exiting the roaster bowl through the steam vent is able to clean only a finite length of the pouring lip. A particularly suitable length of the pouring lip is 0.75 inches, upwards of 1 inch (and all lengths smaller), although quality of cleaning is reduced at much longer lengths. For example, a pouring lip with a length as long as 3 inches is not properly cleaned at the areas furthest from the roaster bowl.
Hence, by limiting the extension of the roaster bowl's pouring lip as particularly shown in the figures, the entire pouring lip is able to be sufficiently cleaned during the herein-described steam cleaning phase.
At the conclusion of the clean cycle, the operator removes cover 300 and then proceeds to pour out the hot water (with the sugar dissolved therein—also called “sugar water” herein, for convenience) within roaster bowl 200 using pour tray 400. As further discussed below and as generally shown in FIG. 9 , pour tray 400 is first connected to nut roaster housing 110, a suitable bucket, pan or tray (e.g., pan 600) is placed under pour tray 400, and the operator lifts cantilever arm 120 to raise roaster bowl 200 to a height sufficient to allow the sugar water within roaster bowl 200 to flow onto pour tray 400, which directs the sugar water into the bucket, pan or tray.
Thereafter, the various components, including the roaster bowl, agitator, cover, pour tray and other accessible components, are cleaned to remove all remaining residue.
Detachable Pour Tray
Referring again to FIGS. 1-3 , pour tray 400 is shown to have a proximal end 410 and a distal end 420. The pour tray's proximal end 410 includes a curved edge 430 with a curvature that generally follows the curvature of the outer edge of pouring lip 220, as best shown in FIG. 3 . Curved edge 430 is longer than pouring lip 220 to prevent spillage of the sugar water as it is being poured onto pour tray 400 from pouring lip 220. The pour tray's distal end 420 is narrower than the pour tray's proximal end 410 to further facilitate pouring of the sugar water into the separate bucket or pan. Pour tray 400 further includes a sidewall 440 extending upward from the two side edges and the curved edge to also prevent or, at least, minimize spillage during pouring, as illustrated in FIG. 9 .
As shown in FIG. 2 , the top surface of the pour tray's proximal end 410 is sloped at its edge that flows into a flat portion that rests on the top surface of nut roaster housing 110, when mounted thereon. The pour tray's distal end 420 is sloped downward to further facilitate pouring of the sugar water into the adjacent bucket or pan. This also is shown in FIGS. 9, 15 and 16 .
Pour tray 400 further includes structure to enable it to be mounted on the nut roaster's housing. FIG. 24A shows a perspective, bottom view of pour tray 400. As shown, pour tray includes a support member 450 that extends downward from the pour tray's lower surface. Support member 450 includes two elongated engagement apertures 452. To facilitate mounting, the nut roaster's housing 110 includes a pair of mounting pins 190 that extend from the upper, side surface of the nut roaster's housing 110, as best shown in the perspective, bottom view of FIG. 22 . As shown in FIG. 24B , each mounting pin 190 is cylindrical in shape and includes a rounded terminus 192.
To mount pour tray 400 on the nut roaster's housing 110, pour tray 400 is positioned above and adjacent to the top, side edge of the nut roaster's housing 110 so that the pour tray's two engagement apertures 452 are immediately above the two mounting pins 190 extending from the housing, and then the pour tray is lowered until the mounting pegs are within the pour tray's engagement apertures, as shown in FIG. 22 .
The pour tray rests on the top surface of the nut roaster's housing 110, as best seen in FIG. 2 . Mounting pins 190 disposed within the pour tray's engagement apertures 452 keep the pour tray in place during use (see FIG. 22 ). After completion of pouring of the sugar water from roaster bowl 200 into a bucket or pan, the pour tray is lifted up to be removed, and is then easily cleaned in a sink.
Mounting pins 190 on the nut roaster housing may have a structure different than that shown and described herein. Moreover, the mechanism to secure the pour tray to the nut roaster housing may be different. Other techniques/structure known in the art to temporarily attach the pour tray to the nut roaster housing may be employed.
From the description herein, it is illustrated that the inventive nut roaster includes elements and features that maximize the effectiveness of the cleaning operation, while preventing or otherwise minimizing the need to separately clean the bowl's integral pouring lip, and preventing or otherwise minimizing the flow of steam (containing dissolved sugar) towards the front or back of the nut roaster assembly. Still further, the bowl's pouring lip, in combination with the detachable pour tray, prevents or otherwise minimizes spillage of the very hot (or boiling) water onto the floor, onto the counter on which the roaster sits, onto the top surface of the nut roaster or other component or piece of machinery.
(D) Agitator and Bowl
In particular, agitator 230, shown installed within roaster bowl 200 in FIG. 4A , beneficially avoids or minimizes seizing, prevents or minimizes formation of thick coatings of hard sugar build-up on and under the agitator's blades, prevents incremental build-up of sugar on and under the agitator over multiple cooked batches, beneficially provides for even interspersing of the mixture throughout the roaster bowl, minimizes mere pushing of the bowl contents around the roaster bowl thus increasing consistency in nut coating, minimizes production of scrap, and prevents adherence of the agitator to the bowl after the roaster bowl has cooled (after the cooking process is complete), among other features, benefits and advantages.
As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B , agitator 230 is installed over a center column 202 extending upwards from the bottom of roaster bowl 200. When properly installed, agitator 230 is connected to the top of drive shaft 116, which extends through the bowl's center column 202, as further discussed below.
As shown in FIGS. 25A, 25B, 25C, 25F and 25G , agitator 230 includes a central hub 232 and two blades 240, 250. The two blades extend from opposite sides of central hub 232 and are identical in all respects. As particularly shown in FIG. 25C , blades 240, 250 are L-shaped and include a somewhat vertical (i.e., slightly slanted) component (242, 252) (for convenience, called “vertical component”) extending downward from central hub 232 and then bend (slightly more than 90°) into an outwardly extending horizontal component (244, 254). As best shown in FIG. 25B , blades 240, 250 are relatively narrow in width as compared to the size of central hub 232. In particular, central hub 232 has a diameter that is roughly four times longer than the width of the blades.
When agitator 230 is installed within roaster bowl 200, as shown in FIG. 4A , each blade's vertical component is adjacent and parallel to center column 202 that extends upward from the bottom of roaster bowl 200, and each blade's horizontal component is disposed immediately above and parallel to the floor of roaster bowl 200.
As shown in FIG. 25A , the horizontal component of blade 240 includes a front edge 244 a and a rear edge 244 b. Likewise, the horizontal component of blade 250 includes a front edge 254 a and a rear edge 254 b.
The horizontal component of each blade 240, 250 has angled top and bottom surfaces. As best shown in FIG. 26 , each blade's top surface (of the horizontal component) extends upward from the blade's front edge to the blade's rear edge at an angle of 30° relative to the floor of roaster bowl 200. FIG. 25A also shows each blade with an angled top surface.
Moreover, each blade's bottom surface extends upward from the front edge to the rear edge at a relief angle of 5° relative to the floor of roaster bowl 200, which is shown in FIGS. 25E and 26 . Accordingly, each blade's front edge (244 a, 254 a) is relatively thin as compared to the thickness of each blade's rear edge (244 b, 254 b).
Referring to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 6A and 6B , agitator 230 is connected to the top of drive shaft 116, which extends through the roaster bowl's center column 202. FIG. 6C is an enlarged view that particularly shows the top of drive shaft 116, the agitator's central hub 232 and the top of the roaster bowl's center column 202. FIGS. 6B and 6C show only a small portion of the agitator's two blades 240, 250 ( reference numbers 240, 250 are omitted in FIG. 6B for purposes of ease of readability).
As also shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B , drive shaft 116 is coupled at its bottom end to gearbox 114, which is driven by motor assembly 112 during operation of nut roaster assembly 100. Accordingly, when the motor of nut roaster assembly 100 is powered, the agitator's blades 240, 250 rotate. During such rotation, the agitator's blades 240, 250 mix the contents in roaster bowl 200.
During the herein-described operation of nut roaster assembly 100, and particularly during the roasting and glazing processes, blades 240, 250 rotate around roaster bowl 200 and during such rotation lift the ingredients (e.g., nuts and sugar) as each blade passes through the mixture. By employing blades that have a short width and that have a top surface angle of 30°, the mixture moves fluidly over the blades. Moreover, the blade structure lifts and rotates components of the mixture (i.e., the nuts) during blade rotation, as further discussed below.
As discussed herein, the lower surface of each blade is relatively close to the floor of roaster bowl 200 and extends upward from the front edge to the rear edge at an angle of 5°, as shown in FIG. 26 . More particularly, the distance between the bottom of the front edge of each blade and the floor of roaster bowl 200 is substantially smaller than the size of most nuts and nut pieces and, therefore, the nuts and nut pieces within the mixture are forced up the blade's top surface, rather than moving underneath the blade.
In addition, the sugar, the melting sugar and other ingredients within the mixture similarly pass over each blade, rather than under the blade, during the mixing/roasting/glazing processes. However, a relatively small amount of mixture, including possibly tiny nut fragments, sugar crystals, and other tiny components of the mixture, will flow under each of the blades during rotation. The 5° upward angle of the bottom surface of each blade minimizes the chance of such components interfering with continued blade rotation. That is, each blade is closest to the floor of the nut roaster only at the blade's front edge 244 a, as shown in FIGS. 26 and 27A -C. Thus, mixture components sufficiently small to pass under the bottom surface of the blade, at the blade's front edge 244 a, will continue to pass under the remainder of the blade's bottom surface (as the blade rotates) due to the continuously increasing distance between the blade's bottom surface and the floor of the roaster bowl as a result of the upward incline of the blade's bottom surface.
In addition to providing the herein-described features and benefits during the mixing/roasting/glazing processes of nut roaster assembly 100 of the present invention, the blades of agitator 230 also have a structure that prevents or at least minimizes the likelihood that the agitator seizes (i.e., gets stuck to the roaster bowl) after usage. That is, if the ingredients, which includes sugar (i.e., “sugar mixture”), remaining in the roaster bowl sufficiently cool, the 5° angle of the bottom surface of each of the blades reduces the tensile strength of the sugar mixture, thus allowing the agitator to be removed from the roaster bowl without having to add more water and reheat the mixture that remains within the roaster bowl. The angle of the bottom surface similarly prevents seizing of the agitator during mixing operations.
Extensive testing of the inventive nut roaster using the herein-described agitator blade, which included thirty consecutive production cycles without running any cleaning cycles, resulted in no instances of seizing.
Accordingly, agitator 230 provides various features, benefits and advantages over currently existing agitators, which include at least the following. Agitator 230 minimizes the thickness of the coating of hard sugar build-up that may form on the agitator's blades. Agitator 230 prevents/minimizes build-up of sugar from the underside of the blades, which in turn prevents blade seizure during operation. Agitator 230 provides enhanced mixing of the nut mixture during the mixing/roasting/glazing processes, and minimizes waste in the form of scrap. Agitator 230 prevents/minimizes the likelihood of seizing after cooking, that is, after the roaster bowl has cooled.
Moreover, the agitator blades may have angles different than that described above. In particular, while a top surface angle of 30° provides a high quality product, other angles may be employed. For instance, a top surface angle in the range of 20° and 50° can be employed. Similarly, the relief angle of the lower surface of each blade may be greater than 5° (e.g., 7°, 9°).
(E) Smart Cleaning Cycle
Steam-cleaning during the herein-described clean cycle entails boiling water within roaster bowl 200 with cover 300 on the roaster bowl in order to clean the roaster bowl including its pouring lip, the agitator, and the cover. The nut roaster assembly of the present invention may employ a smart cleaning cycle within this process to ensure that the water within the roaster bowl is indeed boiling, preferably for at least 90 seconds, if not more, regardless of where the nut roaster assembly is being used.
More particularly, the smart cleaning cycle is pre-programmed to ensure that water used in the cleaning process is maintained at its boiling point for at least 90 seconds at all altitudes where nut roaster assembly 100 may be used, regardless of the fact that water boils at different temperatures at different altitudes.
Accordingly, the processor tracks the sensed temperature of the roaster bowl (and thus its liquid water content), and continuously determines/ascertains whether the sensed temperature has not increased or decreased by more than 5° F. for a period of at least 30 seconds. 30 seconds is utilized to ensure that the boiling point is reached. The processor continues these processing steps until it has ascertained that the sensed temperature has remained constant (i.e., not increased or decreased by more than 5° F.) for a period of 30 seconds, at which point, the processor deems that the water is indeed boiling.
The processor then controls the nut roaster assembly to continue to heat the nut roaster and to begin a countdown timer of at least 90 seconds. As the timer counts down from 90 seconds to zero, the water within the roaster bowl continues to boil, thus providing the herein-described steam-cleaning for at least 90 seconds (and most likely longer as a result of some boiling occurring during a portion of the 30 second period discussed above). When the countdown timer reaches zero, the heater is automatically turned off, the water remaining in the roaster bowl shortly stops boiling and steam-cleaning is complete.
As illustrated from the foregoing discussion, the smart cleaning cycle of the present invention enables the inventive nut roaster assembly to be properly steam cleaned for at least 90 seconds regardless of the altitude at which the nut roaster assembly is located. By providing steam cleaning for at least 90 seconds, all or nearly all of the sugar adhered to the roaster bowl, agitator and cover is broken down, thus making cleaning of these components easy.
As part of the herein-described smart cleaning cycle, nut roaster assembly 100 preferably includes protection against excessive temperatures due to prolonged heating of a roaster bowl that is empty or otherwise contains no water. For instance, if during the smart cleaning cycle an empty roaster bowl is continuously heated, it may rise to a temperature that would lead to unit failure or an unsafe thermal point of the roaster bowl, and/or be a result of improper operation of the nut roaster assembly (e.g., initiating the smart cleaning cycle without first adding water).
Accordingly, if the nut roaster assembly's processor, as it tracks the sensed temperature of the roaster bowl in the herein-described smart cleaning cycle, ascertains that the sensed temperature exceeds 250° F., the processor shuts off the heater and provides an over-temperature error on front panel 500. Since water boils at temperatures well below 250° F. at any altitude (i.e., water boils at 212° F. at sea level, and at lower temperatures at all altitudes above sea level), selecting 250° F. as the shut-off temperature will not impact proper operation of the smart cleaning cycle while the nut roaster assembly of the present invention is operated at any location.
(F) Front Panel Display
The above-discussed processor is coupled via appropriate electronic circuitry to the various inputs and displays of front panel 500. In addition, the nut roaster assembly of the present invention includes memory and other electrical components, including a power cord, to facilitate the operation of the assembly as described herein. For instance, the nut roaster assembly may include a circuit board that includes a suitable processor, memory, and other electronic devices, along with appropriate input and output for connection to front panel 500. Since the structure, design and programming of such devices are well within the knowledge and ability of those of ordinary skill in the art, given the description herein, further details about the processor and other electronics are not provided.
As shown in FIG. 5 , front panel 500 includes Main Power On/Off switch 510 for turning the nut roaster assembly on and off. Front panel 500 also includes a System Status display 520 that has three indicator lights (or lamps): (a) a Heat On lamp 522; (b) a Motor On lamp 524; (c) and an Error lamp 526. These lamps respectively identify to the operator as to whether the heat is on or off, whether the motor is on or off, and whether there is an error. An error is indicated if temperature sensor 196 is broken or an over-temperature thermostat 198, shown in FIG. 6B , has detected a temperature above 450° F. or is broken. If Heat On lamp 522 is on, the operator should assume that the roaster bowl is hot and therefore not be touched without gloves or without taking other precautionary measure.
The START button 560 on front panel 500 initiates the cooking cycle, that is, initiates the mixing/roasting step (i.e., turns on the nut roaster's motor and heater) as discussed herein. The Stop button 570 may be depressed to discontinue the cooking cycle early, discontinue the cleaning cycle early, or discontinue motor and heater operation if and when otherwise desired.
The Actual Temperature display 530 on front panel 500 shows the temperature measured by sensor 196 that is mounted to the underside of the roaster bowl, and generally enables the operator to determine that cooking and cleaning is progressing correctly. Time Remaining display 540 on front panel 500 informs the operator as to when he/she needs to return to the nut roaster in order to complete the nut roasting/glazing process. A buzzer that is disposed internal to the roaster's housing alerts the operator of when to add water in order to glaze the finished nut batch. The buzzer continues to sound until the operator returns to the machine and depresses the Mute Buzzer button 550. If desired, the operator can change the volume of the buzzer by depressing a Buzzer Volume button 552. The buzzer volume cycles, with each depression of Buzzer Volume button 552, through low, middle and high volumes.
While front panel 500 in FIG. 5 shows switches and displays in particular locations, the locations of such switches and displays may be different than that shown.
(G) Additional Features
Shield/Protection against Sludge
The roasting and glazing apparatus of the present invention employs an upwardly extending drive shaft 116 to rotate agitator 230 within roaster bowl 200, as previously described. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B , drive shaft 116 extends upward from gearbox 114.
As shown in FIGS. 4B and 6C , a bushing 188 a is disposed around drive shaft 116 at the top of the roaster bowl's center column 202. Bushing 188 a prevents or at least minimizes the amount of sludge that slides down drive shaft 116. Bushing 188 a also properly aligns drive shaft 116 within center column 202. Bushing 188 a may be a PTFE bushing or other suitable component. Bushing 188 a includes a portion 188 a 1 on its top surface (see FIG. 6C ) that prevents bushing 188 a from falling downward on drive shaft 116. To prevent bushing 188 a from lifting upward, the inner surface of the roaster bowl's center column 202 where it contacts bushing 188 a is rough so that bushing 188 a and center column 202 remain frictionally engaged to one another.
Drive shaft 116 also includes a main shaft bearing 188 b disposed beneath bushing 188 a, as shown in FIG. 6C . Main shaft bearing 188 b aligns drive shaft 116 and provides unrestricted rotation of drive shaft 116 within the roaster bowl's center column 202. Main shaft bearing 188 b is held in place by its frictional engagement with the inner surface of center column 202. Main shaft bearing 188 b also is maintained in position around drive shaft 116 by shelf 202 a, which extends inwardly from center column 202 and is located immediately beneath main shaft bearing 188 b.
For purposes of illustration, bushing 188 a (along with portion 188 a 1) and main shaft bearing 188 b shown in FIG. 6C are identified in FIG. 6A as reference element 188.
At all times, that is, during operation of nut roaster assembly 100 and when nut roaster assembly 100 is not in use, shield 118 prevents sludge and other materials that happen to flow down drive shaft 116 from entering gearbox 114. Instead, shield 118 redirects the sludge and other materials outwardly and away from gearbox 114. Accordingly, shield 118 prevents sludge and other potentially harmful components from entering gearbox 114.
Dampening Cone
Adjustable Feet
In addition, by having raised, adjustable feet, the surface of the table/counter on which nut roaster assembly 100 rests may be cleaned without having to lift or otherwise move the unit, which is somewhat heavy.
From the foregoing discussion, it is seen that the invention entails an easy to use and safe machine that can be operated by non-highly skilled persons to produce high quality roasted and glazed nuts and other food items. It is noted that the details of various components are not set forth herein, since such components, their control and operation are well within the knowledge of those of ordinary skill in the art. For instance, the present invention employs a heater, a motor, and other electro-mechanical components to carry out certain functions and operations. Heaters, motors, etc. are well known and thus a variety of such devices may be employed. In connection with the type of heater that may be used within the present invention, an electrically powered heater may be employed, thus allowing the inventive roasting and glazing apparatus to be located at any location in which electrical power is available (e.g., within any retail store, home, factory, etc.) However, a gas heater may be utilized, if desired.
Moreover, the roasting and glazing apparatus of the present invention is sufficiently small to be used on a table top surface and is easily moved from one location to another, such as from one room to another room within a retail facility, from one retail facility to another, from an inside location to an outside location (and vice versa), etc. Hence, so long as a suitable power source is available, the inventive roasting and glazing apparatus is not confined to a single location and, thus, is portable. Accordingly, the inventive roasting and glazing apparatus is designed for use in a retail environment.
In addition, the invention includes various aspects and features, including: (A) Cover with Liquid Dispersing Design; (B) Bowl Movement: Cantilever with Pistons; (C) Steam Cleaning and Detachable Pour Tray; (D) Agitator and Bowl; (E) Smart Cleaning Cycle; (F) Front Panel Display; and (G) Additional Features, all as described herein. All of these aspects and features may be embodied within a single device, but the invention includes employing some, but not all, of these aspects and features within an apparatus. For instance, the present invention includes an assembly (and process carried out by that assembly) that incorporates only groups (A) and (B) mentioned above (i.e., Cover with Liquid Dispersing Design, and Bowl Movement: Cantilever with Pistons). As another example, the present invention includes an assembly (and process carried out by that assembly) that incorporates only groups (C) and (E) (e.g., Steam Cleaning and Detachable Pour Tray, and Smart Cleaning Cycle). Other combinations of groups also are part of the present invention.
Moreover, the present invention includes a device (and corresponding process) that incorporates only one of these groups (or a portion of a group), such as only group (A) (i.e., Cover with Liquid Dispersing Design). Accordingly, the invention includes a machine that employs the cover for use with other equipment that may not perform roasting. As another example, the invention entails a machine that employs only group (D) (i.e., Agitator and Bowl), in which the particular structure of the agitator described herein is used within a machine that does not necessarily include or otherwise carry out other functions described herein. As a further example, the invention includes only group (B) (Bowl Movement: Cantilever with Pistons) in which a machine that employs the inventive lifting/lowering features, as described herein, does not employ the agitator described herein and/or other components/functions not related to the lifting/lowering of a bowl. These examples are provided for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the invention solely to those examples identified herein.
Having described the invention in detail, the following is a list and brief description of some of the features and benefits of the inventive roasting and glazing apparatus described herein.
(1) Double gas pistons: Enables easier raising of roaster bowl.
(2) Double gas pistons provided for improved safety during lowering: A first piston prevents the roaster bowl from dropping from fully raised (emptying) position. When lowering past the 30° position, a second piston provides resistance, thus requiring the operator to exert sufficient downward force on the cantilever arm to secure the roaster bowl all the way into the nut roaster housing. Hence, a high level of safety is provided.
(3) Clean mode added for convenience: No need to monitor the machine while in the clean mode.
(4) Combination of bowl with pouring lip and cover: These components, when combined, improve the user's ability to clean the roaster bowl, pouring lip, agitator and cover.
(5) Roaster bowl contains a pouring lip: After cleaning the roaster bowl, water is fully directed onto the detachable pour tray.
(6) Detachable pour tray: Directs hot water and prevents spillage onto counter or underneath nut roaster assembly. Restricts back flow of water into nut roaster housing.
(7) Digital temperature readout: Useful to the operator as well as service personnel to verify proper temperature of roaster bowl during various stages of cooking and cleaning.
(8) Uniquely designed roaster cover: Cover contains a liquid reservoir with metering holes that regulate liquid flow into hot roaster bowl and is used when adding water for the glazing step. This prevents the rush of sugar-laden steam that can burn the operator. By minimizing the rush of sugar-laden steam and by controlling its direction, the coating of sugar on surrounding surfaces, including walls and ceilings, is minimized.
(9) Uniquely designed roaster cover: Holes in the water reservoir are far enough away from the cover handle to minimize injury due to escaping steam.
(10) Steam vent on the side of the roaster cover: Steam vent faces the pouring lip to direct steam away from operator during both the glazing and cleaning processes. The steam also loosens sugar build up on the bowl's pouring lip for easier cleaning.
(11) Smart Cleaning Cycle: Nut roaster assembly ascertains whether water within the roaster bowl is boiling, regardless of the actual boiling point (which depends on altitude) so that the cleaning cycle can be automated regardless of the altitude at which the nut roaster assembly is used.
(12) Uniquely designed agitator: Reduces scrap; prevents seizing; promotes even coating of nuts.
(13) Agitator is easily removable: Adds to the ease of cleaning.
(14) Gearbox shield: Use of shield on drive shaft prevents sludge from entering and damaging gearbox.
(15) Rubber dampening cone inside nut roaster housing: During roasting, glazing and cleaning, the rubber cone fixed at the bottom of the roaster bowl assembly minimizes vibration.
(16) Nut roaster sits on raised adjustable feet: Allows for proper alignment of unit and easier cleaning under the nut roaster.
It is appreciated that while the present invention has been described with reference to specific schematics, diagrams, and descriptions, various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
For example, certain configurations of various components of the inventive nut roasting and glazing apparatus have been described herein and illustrated in the figures, but the configuration may be modified as would be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the configuration of the apparatus may be reversed so that, for illustrative purposes, the steam vent is disposed on the left side of the unit (and, similarly, all other components are reversed in configuration). As another example, the precise shape of various components is not critical to the invention herein, including the shape of the sides of the pour tray (e.g., the sides may be curved or have another shape), the shape and configuration of the front display panel, the shape of the cantilever arm, etc.
As another example, the present invention has been described in connection with a roaster bowl and other components having specific sizes. But the sizes may be modified, as would be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. For instance, various amounts of water are identified for addition to the roaster bowl during the cooking and cleaning processes. These amounts are the preferred amounts for a particular roaster bowl size. But other amounts may be employed. Moreover, the roaster bowl may be larger or smaller than that shown and described herein and, thus, the water amounts may be modified to accommodate a different size roaster bowl.
Still further, other variations may be made as would be appreciated to those of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, it is to be understood that other expedients/variations may be employed but that stay within the meaning, scope and spirit of the invention.
Having described the present invention including various features and variations thereof, it is intended that the appended claims be interpreted as including the embodiments described herein, the alternatives mentioned above, and all equivalents thereto.
Claims (15)
1. A nut roasting and glazing apparatus, comprising:
a roaster housing;
a roaster bowl disposed within the roaster housing, the roaster bowl adapted to receive a mixture of nuts and sugar;
a rotatable drive shaft extending up from a center of a floor of the roaster bowl;
an agitator rotatably mounted to an upper end of the drive shaft, the agitator including at least two L-shaped blades adapted to mix the mixture of nuts and sugar during a roasting or glazing operation of the roasting and glazing apparatus, the agitator including a central hub, each of the L-shaped blades extending from the central hub and including a respective vertical component and a respective horizontal component, the horizontal component of each of the L-shaped blades having front and rear edges and a bottom surface that is disposed adjacent to the floor of the roaster bowl, the bottom surface of the horizontal component of each of the blades extending upward from the front edge to the rear edge at a relief angle of at least 5° relative to the floor of the roaster bowl, the horizontal component of each of the L-shaped blades including a top surface extending from the front edge to the rear edge at an angle, relative to the floor of the roaster bowl, different from the relief angle of the bottom surface relative to the floor of the roaster bowl; and
a heater controlled to selectively heat the roaster bowl during the roasting or glazing operation.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the two blades extend from opposite sides of the central hub, and the two blades are identical.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the vertical component of each of the blades extends downward from the central hub and the horizontal component extends outward from the vertical component to provide the blades that are L-shaped.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein, for each of the blades, the horizontal component extends outwardly from the vertical component at a 90° angle.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the central hub has a diameter that is four times as large as a width of each of the blades, the width of each of the blades being a distance from the front edge to the rear edge.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein, for each of the blades, the top surface extends from the front edge to the rear edge at a 30° angle relative to the floor of the roaster bowl.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the front edge of each of the blades has a thickness that is thinner than a thickness of the rear edge of each of the blades.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the roaster bowl includes an upwardly extending center column, the apparatus further comprising a motor assembly disposed beneath the roaster bowl and the drive shaft, rotatably driven by the motor assembly, extending upward through a center column of the roaster bowl, the central hub of the agitator being removably coupled to the upper end of the drive shaft disposed at a position above the center column of the roaster bowl.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the vertical component of each of the blades extends parallel to the center column of the roaster bowl.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising the mixture of nuts and sugar, the mixture of nuts and sugar disposed in the roaster bowl; wherein, for each of the blades, a distance between a bottom of the front edge of the horizontal component and the floor of the roaster bowl is smaller than a size of an amount of the nuts in the roaster bowl so that the amount of the nuts pass over the blades during mixing by the blades during the roasting or glazing operation.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the relief angle of the bottom surface of the horizontal component of each of the blades, relative to the floor of the roaster bowl, is sized to prevent seizing of the rotating blades when items within the mixture pass under the blades during the roasting or glazing operation.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising dried sugar mixture disposed in the roaster bowl and in which a portion of the dried sugar mixture is disposed between the bottom surface of the horizontal component of each of the blades and the floor of the roaster bowl, said portion of the dried sugar mixture having a tensile strength sufficiently low, due to the relief angle of the bottom surface of each horizontal component, to enable the agitator to be manually removed from the roaster bowl without the need to heat the dried sugar mixture within the roaster bowl.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the drive shaft includes a pair of outwardly extending pins protruding from a side surface of the drive shaft.
14. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the center hub of the agitator includes a pair of notches adapted to engage with a pair of pins, to secure the agitator to the drive draft.
15. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the entire bottom surface of the horizontal component of each of the L-shaped blades is flat and extends, along its entire surface, from the floor of the roaster bowl at the same relief angle.
Priority Applications (9)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US15/085,111 US9642392B2 (en) | 2015-06-03 | 2016-03-30 | Roasting and glazing apparatus |
CA3025156A CA3025156C (en) | 2015-06-03 | 2016-06-02 | Roasting and glazing apparatus, roasting and glazing method, and method for cleaning a roasting and glazing apparatus |
CA3025144A CA3025144C (en) | 2015-06-03 | 2016-06-02 | Roasting and glazing apparatus, roasting and glazing method, and method for cleaning a roasting and glazing apparatus |
CA3025166A CA3025166C (en) | 2015-06-03 | 2016-06-02 | Roasting and glazing apparatus, roasting and glazing method, and method for cleaning a roasting and glazing apparatus |
PCT/US2016/035522 WO2016196796A1 (en) | 2015-06-03 | 2016-06-02 | Roasting and glazing apparatus, roasting and glazing method, and method for cleaning a roasting and glazing apparatus |
CA3025150A CA3025150C (en) | 2015-06-03 | 2016-06-02 | Roasting and glazing apparatus, roasting and glazing method, and method for cleaning a roasting and glazing apparatus |
CA2985218A CA2985218C (en) | 2015-06-03 | 2016-06-02 | Roasting and glazing apparatus, roasting and glazing method, and method for cleaning a roasting and glazing apparatus |
US15/241,766 US10299505B2 (en) | 2015-06-03 | 2016-08-19 | Method of cleaning a roaster bowl employing electronic techniques for detecting boiling of water during steam cleaning operation |
US15/454,408 US10238138B2 (en) | 2015-06-03 | 2017-03-09 | Roasting and glazing apparatus employing electronic techniques for detecting boiling of water during steam cleaning operation |
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US14/861,341 US9578987B2 (en) | 2015-06-03 | 2015-09-22 | Roasting and glazing apparatus |
US14/950,663 US10264918B2 (en) | 2015-06-03 | 2015-11-24 | Roasting and glazing apparatus and method of cleaning thereof |
US15/085,111 US9642392B2 (en) | 2015-06-03 | 2016-03-30 | Roasting and glazing apparatus |
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US14/950,663 Continuation-In-Part US10264918B2 (en) | 2015-06-03 | 2015-11-24 | Roasting and glazing apparatus and method of cleaning thereof |
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US11832760B2 (en) | 2015-06-03 | 2023-12-05 | Calico Cottage, Inc. | Roasting and glazing method |
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US11311144B2 (en) | 2015-06-03 | 2022-04-26 | Calico Cottage, Inc. | Roasting and glazing apparatus |
US11832760B2 (en) | 2015-06-03 | 2023-12-05 | Calico Cottage, Inc. | Roasting and glazing method |
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